Happy New Year
We wish a happy and healthy 2014 to all of our pupils and their families, to our staff and to all members of our wider school community.
Principal’s Prize
The Principal’s Prize for November went to senior infants so a big well done to Anna! We now eagerly await the winner of the December/ January prize.
New Website
November saw the launch of our new school website. Our gratitude is extended to Fergal Grace for his time and commitment in redesigning and setting up our vibrant and informative new site. The school website provides a valuable means of communication and creates an important link with our extended and local community. We encourage you to view our news regularly at www.garrydoolisns.com
Aladdin
Wonderful fun was had by all during the trip to U.L. on December 18th to enjoy a very lively performance of Aladdin. Children were offered the opportunity to become immersed in the singing and dancing and there was even a pupil/ teacher dance-off from which the pupils emerged victorious! Sincere appreciation is expressed to the Parents’ Association for their kind sponsorship of the bus.
A Winning Streak for James!
Congratulations go to James Wolfe, 5th class who was winner of the Folen’s Halloween art competition. His prize included a Smyth’s voucher for himself and a free set of Folen’s Christmas annuals for his class. James’ artistic flair continued to bring him luck as he picked up a prize in the Pallasgreen Christmas Fair and also in the Community Games art competition… well done!
We also extend congratulations to Aoife Lee, Seán Ryan, Joan Beary and Peter Savage who were further winners in the Community Games Art Competition.
Doodle4Google
The senior room produced fantastic artwork and creative writing based on the theme of “Adventure” for the Doodle4Google competition. Due to competition rules only six pieces of work could be entered, as judged anonymously by our 1st and 2nd classes. These entries belonged to Joan Beary, David Wolfe, Jeremy John Looby, Róisín Ryan, James Wolfe and Aoife Lee. We recently received a certificate and stickers to mark our participation and we look forward confidently to the results.
Christmas Concerts
December 19th and 20th brought great excitement to the school as the Christmas shows took place and pupils amazed audiences with their professional and polished performances. The senior room presented “Countdown to Christmas” while the junior children performed “Santa’s on Strike.” The efforts of Ms. Hickey and Ms. Ryan in preparing the shows were acknowledged.
We extend sincere thanks all who supported our annual Board of Management Christmas raffle, either by donating prizes or buying tickets. We are delighted to announce that €298.50 was raised. Thanks is also extended to David McGuinness who kindly provided prizes for a children’s raffle and to Pat and Audrey O’Dwyer, past parents of the school, who provided the back drop.
Update on Board of Management Computer Upgrade
The funds raised at our October table quiz have enabled us to order three new PCs which are to be configured with appropriate anti-virus and security setting. An extremely generous donation of 1,000 euro from the Parents’ Association towards our I.T. upgrade will allow us to purchase a set of tablets and educational apps. Teachers are currently researching the same in order to secure the best equipment possible.
New School Sports Kit
Much excitement was observed following our Christmas concerts when the pupils and audience were treated to a sneak preview of our new school sports kit. We again owe thanks to the Parents’ Association in making the dream of a new kit a reality. Links forged by the association with St. Ailbe’s Credit Union led to a donation of 500 euro from St. Ailbe’s for a new set of jersey’s, while the Parents Association kindly funded the rest of the kit. Particular thanks are extended to Breda McGuinness for her work in pricing, sizing and ordering the kit. We were delighted to welcome representatives of the Credit Union to our school on Tuesday 22nd January when Mr. John O’Connor presented the sponsorship cheque to Ms. Jordan.
Parents’ Association
On that Tuesday evening the Parent’s Association A.G.M. was held. I would personally like to thank all members of the outgoing committee for the great communication and co-operation shared since my initial meeting with them back in August. The following list of activities which they have undertaken during the current academic year stands testament to their utter dedication to the school: donation of books to senior classroom, covering for book rental scheme, Sammy Savings Scheme, bake sale and coffee morning, Cash for Clobber, Setanta Book Club, sponsorship of bus to Aladdin and organisation and part sponsorship of new team kit.
We wish well to those members who stepped down at the A.G.M.; Fiona Bourke, Breda McGuinness, Noreen Hourigan and Mary Lee. We also take this opportunity to extend good wishes to our new committee members; Marie Ryan, Marie O’Dwyer, Grace Savage, Michelle Butler and Riah Hogan, as well as Susan Leaden and David McGuinness who are the Board of Management Parent Nominees.
Silver Circle
The Board of Management will begin a silver circle after the midterm. This fundraiser will run for seven weeks in an effort to raise the funds to supplement our initial purchase of three classroom PCs. Each family will be invited to sell five lines at a cost of 2 euro per line each week. Silver circle cards will be distributed next week. The first draw will take place on Friday 28th February and for the following six Fridays thereafter. There will be a weekly prize of 25 euro in addition to a seller’s prize for one of the pupils. The Board of Management wishes to acknowledge and thank the parents and friends of Garrydoolis National School for their continued support.
Smart Moves
The Smart Moves programme is currently being run three times each week through the co-operation of Ms. Hickey, Ms. Ryan and Mrs. Beary. This worthwhile programme develops listening skills, comprehension and co-ordination and is most enjoyable.
St Ailbe’s Credit Union Table Quiz
We send good wishes to David Wolfe, Joan Beary, James Wolfe and Jessica Dillon who will represent our school in the upcoming St Ailbe’s School Table Quiz in Caherconlish on February 2nd.
Catholic Schools Week
During Catholic Schools Week which runs from January 26th to February 2nd children will be engaged in specific lessons to mark this special week. Additionally, the senior pupils will make St. Brigid’s crosses.
Upcoming School Masses
The following are the dates for our upcoming school masses: February 2nd, March 9th, April 6th and June 22nd. We thank families for making such an effort to date to attend these masses with their children.
Open Afternoon
Our open afternoon for prospective pupils to junior infants and their parents will take place on Tuesday 18th February from 3.15- 4.15pm. Pupils and parents will be offered the opportunity to look around the school, to hear about the school routine and curriculum and to make some new friends! Pre-enrolment forms will be available on the day or may alternatively be printed from our website. Invitations will be circulated shortly to those parents who have already expressed interest. Any queries regarding enrolment may be addressed to the principal either via the school email or by phoning the school.
Midterm Break
The school will remain closed on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st February for midterm break.
First Penance
First Penance will take place on Thursday 27th February at 7.30pm in Templebraden Church. This is a very special occasion for our candidates for First Holy Communion and we are currently preparing for what we hope will be a holy and memorable evening for them.
Green Schools
We continue our efforts toward our third green flag based on the theme of water consumption and we look forward to the visit of our An Taisce representative on February 28th.
Prior to that visit we will celebrate our green schools action day on February 14th when the senior room will demonstrate water experiments for the junior pupils and each student will be invited to wear something blue to tie in with the water theme!
World Book Day
World Book Day takes place on March 6th. Each child will receive a book token and we will engage in specific activities to mark the day.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
We will celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge from the 10th to 14th March. During this time children will engage with the “nath/ frása an lae” and will be in with a chance to win a spot-prize for informal use of the “cúpla focail.” Friday 14th will be a celebration of all things Irish whereby both rooms will come together to share rannta, amhráin agus drámaíocht and to partake in a “céilí mór.”
Children will be invited to wear the green, white and gold to school on the day in anticipation of celebrating the feast of our Patron Saint. Please note that school will remain closed on March 17th.
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